Lea Salonga-Chien (born Maria Ligaya Carmen Imutan Salonga on February 22, 1971 in Angeles City) is a Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk, and Theatre World award-winning Filipino singer and actress who is best known for her portrayal of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon. In the field of musical theater, no other Filipino has achieved the same international recognition as Salonga. She has been the first to win various international awards for a single role.She was the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway, and is now starring as Fantine, as of March 2, 2007. On February 11, 2007, she performed at the Philippine International Convention Center with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.Salonga recently released her first studio album in 7 years called "Inspired". The carrier single is a remake of Beverly Craven's "Promise Me". The album has just been certified platinum.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Early life

Lea Salonga was born to Feliciano Genuino Salonga and Ligaya Alcantara Imutan. She was born in Angeles City and spent the first six years of her childhood there.

Salonga became a successful child star in the Philippines. At the age of seven, she made her professional debut performing in the musical The King and I by Repertory Philippines. She became the lead star of Annie and joined other productions, such as Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Fiddler On The Roof, The Rose Tattoo, The Sound of Music, The Goodbye Girl, Paper MoonThe Fantasticks. and

She began her recording career at the age of ten with her first album, Small Voice, which received a gold certification. Her younger brother, Gerard Salonga, performed a duet with her on the song Happiness. Since then, he has collaborated with her many times as musical director or creative director.

As a child star, she also hosted her own musical television show, Love, Lea, and won three Aliw Awards for Best Child Performer from 1981 to 1983. In 1988, her second album, "Lea" was released. She also starred in German Moreno's teen variety show That's Entertainment. The young Lea also appeared with Herbert Bautista in several popular family-oriented Filipino films in the late-1980s such as Ninja Kids, Captain Barbell and Pik Pak Boom. Lea Salonga also received her first Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) award nomination (equivalent of an Oscar nomination) for Best Child Actress for the 1981 flick Tropang Bulilit, though she lost to child star Sheryl Cruz for Mga Basang Sisiw.

Lea also opened for international acts such as Menudo on their 1985 Manila concert, and Stevie Wonder during his 1988 concert in Manila.

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Lea Singing her Heart Out

Lea Singing her Heart Out

Recordings

Filmography

  • Tonari no Totoro / My Neighbor Totoro (USA) (2004) - voice of Mrs. Kusakabe in the English language version
  • Mickey's PhilharMagic (2003) (voice) (uncredited)
  • Aladdin in Nasira's Revenge (2001) (VG) - singing voice of Princess Jasmine
  • Mulan (1998) - singing voice of Mulan
  • Sana Maulit Muli / Hopefully, Once More (1995)
  • Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal / Why Do I Love You So Much (1992)
  • Aladdin (1992) - singing voice of Princess Jasmine
  • Dear Diary (1989)
  • Pik Pak Boom (1989)
  • Ninja Kids (1986)
  • Captain Barbel / Mars Ravelo's Captain Barbel (1986)
  • Like Father, Like Son (1985)
  • Tropang Bulilit (1981)